Marriage Celebrants - Liz Watson
- Business: Liz Watson Celebrant
- Location: Erskineville, New South Wales
- Experience: 7 Years
- Profile: Liz Watson Celebrant
- Website: www.lizwatsoncelebrant.com
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Hi I'm Liz Watson, a Queer wedding Celebrant living in the Inner West Sydney. I live with my wife and 2 children plus our furr babies Fraggle and Cat Stevens. I decided to become a Marriage Celebrant when the Yes vote was a hot topic of conversation. My wife and I had gotten legally married in the British Consulate here in Sydney in 2015, before the Marriage Equality postal vote. The minute we weren't in the British Consulate, Australia didn't recognise our marriage. In December 2017 when Australia voted YES, we were instantly recognised as a married couple. I decided that I was going to become a celebrant so that all couples regardless of their gender or sexuality could have a safe space where they were going to be respected, valued, loved and celebrated.
2. What's your experience as a marriage celebrant? How many weddings have you done?
Since 2018, I have officiated over 120 weddings and can't believe I get to do this as a job. With a Vet Nursing background and being a total animal lover, some of my favourite weddings are when the couple brings their furr babies along. I've had dogs, a cat and a pet bird attend the ceremony!
3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?
By law, the first legal document called the Notice Of Intended Marriage needs to be completed and lodged with me no more than 18 months in advance, but no less than 30 days. Couple's usually book in with me at least a year in advance, I have had some couple's book me 2 years in advance.
4. How would you describe your ceremony style?
My style is chilled, happy, romantic and fun.
5. What are your fees for a wedding?
WEDDING CEREMONY PACKAGES
1. ELOPEMENT STYLE WEDDING: $700
This is for the couple choosing to ‘Elope’ with ONLY their two witnesses.
This is a 5-minute registry style wedding.
The focus being entirely on the couple getting married. Only the legal words are exchanged.
People included on the day: Partner 1, Partner 2, Witness 1, Witness 2 and celebrant. If you are looking to celebrate on a budget but with style, something stress-free and no fuss, quick yet meaningful and memorable then this is a good choice.
It is the same as getting married at the Registry Office, but instead at your own chosen location, with me! For example, your favourite spot at a beach, park, near the water. I have lots of suggestions for available locations.
On the day:
• The couple sign declarations that they are over the age of 18 years, not legally married to anyone else and are not directly related to each other (before the ceremony)
• The couple gets married in a simple, quick ceremony:
1. Just the legal words
2. Personal and legal vows are exchanged.
3. Rings exchanged.
• The ‘Certificate of Marriage’ is signed by the couple and 2 witnesses and then presented to the couple.
Included in this package:
1. A meeting with the couple to complete the necessary ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ form.
2. All legal paperwork done by celebrant (registration of marriage, marriage certificate)
3. Phone and email contact.
4. Your Marriage Ceremony.
5. Officiating your ceremony on the day with a commemorative ‘Certificate of Marriage’.
6. Same day lodgement of all legal paperwork.
7. The option for the celebrant to apply to Births, Deaths, and Marriages on your behalf for your ‘Official Certificate of Marriage’ (needed for change of surname).
8. Travel within 20km’s of the Inner West.
2. A PERSONALISED WEDDING CEREMONY: $1200
For the couple that wants a personalised wedding ceremony at their chosen location or venue.
People included on the day: Partner 1, Partner 2, Witness 1, Witness 2 and Celebrant.
Wedding parties: non-gender specific-attendants, Honour attendants, Teams Bride/Groom, Best people, best person, Flower girls, Paige Boys, Ring Bearers... whomever you want involved! Plus, an unlimited number of guests.
You may incorporate up to 2 readings, your choice of ritual/s, a toast to the couple, or anything else that you may want. The ceremony can be whatever you both want it to be.
On average, a ceremony like this can go for anywhere between 15 - 30 minutes depending on your individual needs.
Included:
1. An obligation free meeting (in person or over the phone)
2. A meeting with the couple to complete the necessary Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM). This must be competed no more than 18 months before your wedding date, and no less than one month before the date of the wedding.
3. Completion/ submission of all legal documents to register the marriage.
4. A full unique and personalized ceremony written especially for you.
5. Support to help guide you to write your own vows.
6. You may include 1-2 readings in your ceremony.
7. Your choice of any ritual/s.
8. A Wedding information kit. This includes:
• Deposit invoice.
• Legal wording options to choose from.
• Pronouncing ideas.
• Couples love story questionnaire.
• How to write your own vows.
• Fun wedding inclusions.
• An outline of what a wedding ceremony looks like, what is involved, options for what you would like or not like included.
9. Arrival 45 minutes prior to the ceremony starting.
10. Co-ordination with musicians, photographers and others as needed at the ceremony.
11. The celebrant will provide their PA system that is of excellent quality and sound.
12. Your Marriage Ceremony.
13. Officiating your ceremony on the day with a commemorative ‘Certificate of Marriage’.
14. Being available before and after for photos.
15. Same day Registration of marriage with Births Deaths and Marriages.
16. The option for the Celebrant to apply to Births, Deaths, and Marriages on your behalf for your ‘Official Certificate of Marriage’ (needed for change of surname).
17. The option for the Celebrant to provide own signing table and 2 chairs.
18. Travel within 20km’s of the Inner West.
19. Unlimited phone and email contact.
20. You will be the only wedding booked in for that day.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS AVAILABLE FROM BIRTHS, DEATHS & MARRIAGES NSW:
• ‘Standard Wedding Certificate’ $67 (needed to change surname after the wedding). The Celebrant will lodge all the necessary legal paperwork for the couple and get the certificate sent to their allocated address via post within 2 weeks.
• ‘Commemorative plus standard’ package at: $95. This is a themed wedding certificate to display in your home. For more information and designs to choose from please go to:
www.bdm.nsw.gov.au
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
• Travel by water taxi or City parking: $50.
• For ceremonies further than 40KM’s from the Inner West: $200.
• For ceremonies in the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley: $400.
• For ceremonies in the Southern Highlands: $400.
• Travelling to other states: Fee for flight and accommodation (will offer a quote)
6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?
Usually a kick ass suit!
7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?
As many as are needed by the couple. I will always offer an initial meeting so we can make sure we are a good fit. This is also a great time to complete the Notice Of Intended Marriage if all parties decide to go ahead. Then closer to the ceremony I meet with my couples to do a run through of how the ceremony will flow so that the couple are feeling confident and not at all stressed.
8. Will you be able to create a personalised ceremony?
Absolutely! I'm all about ceremonies being personalised and unique.
9. Are you available to travel if needed?
I love to travel. The furthest I've gone so far is to Adelaide to marry a couple in a real castle, and keen to travel internationally.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
A deposit of $200 must be paid to secure your booking date; this is non-refundable under any circumstances. This is due on the date the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ form is lodged with me. If the ceremony is cancelled within 14 days prior to the ceremony-taking place, then the final payment shall be refunded (minus the deposit).
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